The Wholehearted Wife {Review}

The Wholehearted Wife {Review}

 

I recently got the chance to read and review The Wholehearted Wife by Erin, Greg, and Gary Smalley. I’ve heard of the Smalley family before, but I’ve never read any of their books. And so the fact that this is a book about becoming a “wholehearted wife” is written by 3 authors, 2 of which are men? I admit, I was intrigued.

When we struggle with our relationships, especially with our husbands, it’s very easy (for me especially) to play the blame game. And at the end of the day, it really doesn’t resolve any problems or clear up hurt feelings, it usually makes it worse. So to come across this book, written specifically for a wife (as opposed for a couple), I wondered if I was about to get a wake up call.

You know those wake up calls, when you just know you’re right and God chuckles (or at least that’s how you can picture it) and lays it all out nice and clear for you? Yep.

Although it takes two to have a great marriage, an important truth for any marriage partner to realize is that he or she can really change no one other than him or herself. Nevertheless, changes in just one person can have an amazing impact on a marriage relationship!

Instead of focusing on “How do I have a better marriage?” this book embraces that truth, and helps women ponder the question, “How can I be the best wife I can be?” It provides every woman with skills, information, and encouragement to make a positive difference to this and future generations, by wholeheartedly investing in her marriage and her relationship with her husband today.

The Wholehearted Wife is written by Erin and Greg Smalley, along with Gary Smalley, the creator and presenter of Keys to a Loving Relationship, one of the best-selling video series of all time. Recognizing that most if not all married women have either experienced a time when her marriage felt lifeless—or sat with another female friend or family member who was experiencing that situation—this book is also a wonderful resource for those times.

I loved how this book really focuses on my role as a Christian wife. It was not about how to “fix” my husband but how to fix myself! If I can change (for the better) how I honor, forgive, and communicate with my husband, our relationship will only get better.

And it’s not just about your marriage, but also in being a Christian, and your relationship with the Lord. After all, He laid out the very definition of marriage. He wants our marriages to succeed and be satisfying.  The Scriptures used through the book, along with stories and sweet moments retold really connected me to the lessons. It wasn’t easy all of the time, but it got easier. And I feel like it’s making a difference, and I didn’t have to try to change my husband at all…just myself.

I would recommend this book to any woman, regardless of their marital status. I think it would be great as a self study/reflection or in a small group setting.

You can purchase your own copy of The Wholehearted Wife on Amazon.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from Tyndale Publishing house in exchange for a fair and honest review. This post may also contain affiliate links, which means if you follow them and make a purchase, I may receive compensation or a form of payment.